Saturday, September 28, 2013

I'm stoked for Conference. it's been a complete 180 for me. I used to just sleep through conference, but I'm glued to the screen actively scribbling my notes. You're right, it just might be my last one [in Guatemala]. I looked at the change schedules and my last one ends at the beginning of April. Who knows!

My card still hasn't come yet. I'll find out Thursday because that's when the zone leaders get letters and packages. I wouldn't worry, though. It'll be fine.

Not a surprise they invite people to retire here. Things are dirt cheap here. The old people could go live in Pana or Antigua. That's where a lot of the foreigners live. And in zona 10. Guatemala's beautiful, but the captial is super dangerous.

That's a shame the football team hasn't been doing so hot. How's J's soccer team been doing? Maybe he'll be the future of the football program lol.

That's crazy what happened to Mr. D. You are so right, we can't procrastinate the day of our repentance. We taught a member's husband yesterday who still can't grasp that concept. That's one of the hardest parts of mission work, respecting people's agency. Nephi exhorted his brethren constantly and they even saw an angel, but in the end it availed them nothing. Agency is just such a crazy concept. I just think that's why it's our job to work diligently so their sins don't fall on our heads. O well. Learning a little, everyday.

I got that copy of that talk you sent me. It's pretty true. We have to be valiant, not honorable. Loved the examples. Brother S. sent me a letter as well. It's so weird seeing the ward handout and seeing Bishop L. It still seems like Bishop W. is bishop. I will always be grateful that hew was the bishop for me.

We've been finding some super awesome people this week. God blessed us with a great new ward mission leader. He's been so pilas by helping us out. He's super diligent and loves mission work. We're starting to see some fruits. Hopefully we'll have some baptisms at the end of the change.

We had zone conference on Friday. Pres. S. is awesome. I'm not going to lie, I'm still trying to get used to the differences between him and Pres. B., but nonetheless he's still an awesome guy. The biggest thing I took out of the conference was how our principal motivation as missionaries should come from our love for the Savior and for the people. It really helped me put into perspective what I need to do to really end on a good note here.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Elder B. and I are together for another change! Super stoked. We're going to tear up the area. God has been answering our prayers. Really learned a lot this week. I've almost finished reading John. I just want to finish the New Testament, and I'm on my 4th read through on the Book of Mormon. Loving the scriptures!

I've really enjoyed being in this area, even though it definitely is a difficult area. We're not too concerned, though. There's potential in every area. We've decided to quit knocking doors. All of the church leaders always encourage missionaries to work with the members. We've hatched a plan to work with the ward better. It'll be a stretch, but that's better. When there's more suffering, there's more joy in the end. It's essential that there's an opposition in all things.

We've got a fair number of investigators that are reading the Book of Mormon now. I love it. Have you had any good experiences with the Book of Mormon?

We have an awesome investigator named A that made us jello cake this week. I'll send you some pictures of it.

I've love reading the New Testament. It helps me connect with other people. It's super important for me to know because having more knowledge helps draw the parallels between the BoM and the BIble. I really regret all the time I wasted sleeping in seminary. If you could pass a message along to the youth of the church from me, it would be that they actually need to participate in Seminary.

Glad you're helping the missionaries. That's crazy they've got so many there now. I guess the work should be booming now. How many baptisms are you having every month? Glad to hear the work is moving along. I'm going to help out a ton once I get home!

How's school going? Back in the swing of things again? How's the Pride of Bethel Marching Band and Mr. E? Football? Soccer team?

Love you guys a ton. Thanks a ton for you support and persistence with me! Love you!